Persecution of Rohingyas: Global voices get louder: Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday told parliament that the entire world raised its voice against the persecution of Rohingyas in Myanmar and was calling upon the Myanmar government to take their citizens back.

In her speech, the PM said, "Canadian prime minister has phoned Aung San Suu Kyi so that Myanmar takes back Rohingyas. Diplomats of 45 countries and representatives of two international organisations during their recent visit to Cox's Bazar have expressed deep concern over the atrocities against the Rohingyas.

"The UN Security Council also urged Myanmar to stop repression on the Rohingyas and highly lauded Bangladesh's role for giving shelter to the refugees."

The 17th session of the Jatiya Sangsad, beginning on September 10, was prorogued last night with five working days.

Hasina also described the inhuman situation of Rohingyas who are now staying in Cox's Bazar's Ukhia.

"It is not possible for them to live there. Therefore, we have decided to arrange temporary accommodation for them at Bhasan Char, also known as Thengar Char," the PM added.

Hasina said she had a meeting on the issue with the navy chief last night when she asked him to complete some preparatory work in this regard.

"I want to complete some work [arrangement of temporary accommodation for Rohingyas at Thengar Char in Noakhali's Hatia Island] before leaving the country for the US on September 16 to attend the UN General Assembly," she mentioned.

Sharing her experience of visiting Rohingyas in Ukhia, the PM in an emotional voice said the atrocities carried out by the Myanmar authorities were beyond description.

"It's hard to hold back tears when I heard about the ordeal and atrocities," Hasina said.

"That's why, we have given them shelter on humanitarian grounds although it is a burning question for us where and how we will keep them," she mentioned.

"But if necessary, we will share our food with Rohingyas," she added.

Hasina hoped that the Myanmar government would take back all Rohingyas and provide them accommodation and security.

The PM said she and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana had to stay abroad as refugees, and they knew it very well how disgraceful it was to live as a refugee.